KABUL (SW): A new study into the prevailing corruption in Afghanistan has noted that the citizens are compelled to pay as much as $ 3 billion on annual basis as bribes.
The Integrity Watch Afghanistan launched its biennial National Corruption Survey on Thursday that estimated $ 3 billion were paid in bribes in the last one year – an almost 50% increase compared to 2014. The amount of bribes estimated is much higher than the Afghan government revenue estimates for 2016. This survey indicates that following insecurity and unemployment, corruption is the third biggest problem that Afghans face. The survey also shows that corruption is having a negative effect on Afghanistan’s security.
“The devastating level of corruption undermines state legitimacy and erodes public trust. Institutional capture coupled with petty bribes paid by citizens on daily basis due to systemic corruption has become so serious that it threatens national security”, said Sayed Ikram Afzali, Executive Director of Integrity Watch.
Dominic Jermey, the British Ambassador to Afghanistan urged the Afghan government that the money pledged for Afghanistan should be used honestly to bring changes and to support the Afghan people. "We want to see corruption tackled and fought across all sectors”, he said.
Humera Ayubi, member of the Wolesi Jirga (lower house), said on the occasion that corruption exists at the higher level and in all three pillars of the state.
The study noted that the early euphoria that accompanied the inauguration of the National Unity Government in October 2014, has largely dissipated, leaving a populace that is disappointed, angry, and fearful about the future. Just over half (52%) of respondents thought that the current government has a sincere desire to fight corruption.
The study is based on some 7,800 responses received from all 34 of Afghanistan’s provinces. Integrity Watch Afghanistan has urged the government to undertake necessary reforms as quickly as possible.
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